Delbert 'Del' Gerdes
Del was born in Johnson, Nebraska on March 29, 1934 to Dora Rippe and Herman Gerdes. He moved to Salt Lake in 1950.
He married Linda Gourley on November 18, 1952 in Salt Lake City and together they had 4 children.
The day after his 21st birthday, he went to work for Consolidated Freightways and spent the next 41 years there. He did everything from being a dock worker, truck driver, hostler, safety supervisor, and was Salt Lake operations manager when he retired. After retiring he was frequently seen driving his red truck keeping tabs on his kids, seeing if they needed anything. He was willing to fix anything for us. He also did all the framing for his wife's stained glass art.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Linda; children Dan (Susan), Robin, Mike, Joe (Marylynne); grandson Josh (Joylynn); and great-grandchildren Brixxion and Zoey.
An open house in his honor will be held on Tuesday, April 19th from 4 to 6 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue and "T" Street, Salt Lake City.